Reviews literature concerning newcomers in groups in different settings. Presents a general model examining factors felt to be important for successful assimilation in group psychotherapy, i.e., overcoming resistance to join group, clarifying group process, examining client's in-group behavior, and confirming client's expectations. (BH)

Used meta-analysis to examine duration of group experience and structure provided by leader in counseling groups from 26 studies. Group composition appeared to have greatest effect in unstructured group which was relatively long in duration. Leaders using short-term, structured groups may be less concerned with composition, as its potential effect…

Model developed to enhance understanding of group processes and dynamics and to help plan for intervention and research in treatment or task groups. Presents a cognitive map of a group, incorporating five sets of group variables: (1) member characteristics; (2) behaviors; (3) group characteristics; (4) episodes; and (5) output. (Author/NRB)

Contrasts open and closed therapeutic groups in the context of group development research, and reanalyzes data applying the Hill Interaction Matrix. Results supported the existence of a discernable process of development in the closed groups, while open groups with residual members showed counterproductive activity. (LLL)

Explored possible differences in group leader (N=32) and member (N=32) reactions to three interventions that seem likely to elicit strong reactions from both leaders and members. Results supported the belief that group leaders and members often enter a group with differing expectations and perceptions. (LLL)

Tested several hypotheses relating to a theory incorporating distinctive characteristics of interdisciplinary task groups. Observed an interdisciplinary task team for 28 weekly meetings. Recorded seating and major interactions of participants. Presents guidelines for the conduct of interdisciplinary groups. (RC)

The development of cohesion and attraction-to-group and the role these variables play warrants serious consideration. A first step toward more adequate conceptualization is separation of the concepts, with the former viewed as a group phenomenon and the latter as the individual's identification with the group. (Author)

Discusses distribution of capabilities and role assignments on a team and proposes a model linking variables that affect productivity. Research is needed on what interaction processes result from team characteristics and which processes affect team productivity for members with particular capabilities. (Author/JAC)

Investigates the severity of the sanctions group members (N=72) recommend in judging socially proscribed acts. Results showed that the greater the seriousness and attribution of personal responsibility, the more severe the sanctions. Status failed to reveal a mediating influence in the judgmental process. (LLL)

Investigated the influence on group formation of feedback provided by potential members. Results indicated choices students made varied according to the pertinence of the feedback to the characteristics of the problem. Suggests a sociometric choice in the form of attraction to the feedback provider could indicate the existence of such pertinence.…

Investigates seven task-oriented groups which examine consistency of social choice across a range of behavioral criteria (friendship, leadership, followship, and evaluation criteria of social interaction). Results suggest that some criteria of interpersonal relations are interdependent: acceptance and rejection choices are not opposite ends of…

Investigated the effects of an intensive group experience with a "profeminist" format on sex-role related attitudes and personality trait and state measures. No overall changes were obtained across testing periods on self-report measures of sex-role attitude, sex-role identity, or authoritarianism. Only self-reports of trait anxiety showed a…

This study examines the effects of short term group interaction on self-esteem levels of the group members. (Author)

Examined relationships between attraction to group and individual outcome in groups and between group cohesiveness and individual outcome in groups in four groups of 27 graduate students participating in a group psychotherapy experiential training program. Results revealed that attraction to group and group cohesiveness were both related to…

Groups play an important part in the lives of Japanese citizens. Interpersonal relations and harmony are the source of group strength. A comparison of group life in the United States and Japan indicates that, generally, Japanese work for their group's good, while Americans work for their personal good. (HLM)